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[ Graphical: Channel4 Homepage ]
Is your big brother still bugging you at 30, 40 or beyond? Birth order characteristics are firmly entrenched by the age of two and carry on slanting family relationships, right through life. Though not infallible, they can give useful insight into tensions between siblings.
Self-reliant, demanding, creative, mature.
In childhood: No siblings vying for attention, stacks of presents. Too much time in parental spotlight, pressure to achieve, no one to play with.
In adulthood: Finds it hard to compromise in relationships. Hates criticism. No one to share responsibility of ageing parents.
Successful, responsible, hard-worker. Bossy.
In childhood: Gets clothes, toys, all the goodies first. Parents set higher standards, harsher restrictions. Has to be responsible role model for younger sibs.
In adulthood: Pushes others too hard. Under pressure to succeed. Enjoys mentoring younger siblings – even if they're not keen.
Makes friends easily, gets on with people, good negotiator. Easily walked over.
In childhood: Parents have eased up. Can feel squeezed or overlooked.
In adulthood: May feel like a misfit in the family. Has to compete with both older and younger siblings. Benefits from having both to turn to.
Likes entertaining, enjoys attention. Immature. Charming. Wants to be taken seriously.
In childhood: Never gets the blame, lots of attention and less of the hard work. Strives to keep up with older siblings.
In adulthood: Still treated as baby, dominated. Finds it hard to grow up, expects others to take responsibility.
Graphics version (includes layout and images)